Former peninsula priest accused of sexual abuse

Just two days before a planned visit to Soldotna by the Catholic Archbishop of Anchorage, a letter from him about a sexual abuse case involving a Kenai Peninsula resident was read to all parishioners at church services during the past weekend.

The letter named the Rev. Robert Wells, who served on the Kenai Peninsula from 1974 to 1990, as the priest who allegedly sexually abused a female minor. Wells died in April 1992.

The alleged victim was not identified by the church, but a spokesperson did say she resided on the Kenai Peninsula at the time of the abuse.

In a February 2004 report on sexual abuse, the Archdiocese of Anchorage which includes the Kenai Peninsula stated that a woman alleged abuse by a priest who had died. The report, however did not identify the priest.

The woman met with members of the Archdiocesan Review Board, which found her believable and her allegations credible, according to the letter from Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz, read at Masses on Saturday and Sunday.

The letter also asked anyone who may have been a victim of Wells, or a victim of another person, to come forward for assistance toward healing.

Victims are asked to contact Sister Barbara Scanlon, the victims' assistance coordinator in Anchorage at (907) 276-3455, or to call Standing Together Against Rape at (907) 478-8999.

In his letter, the archbishop stated, "After consultation with the victim, we have received permission to release the name of the priest.

"Although (Father) Wells is deceased, we are concerned that there are other victims of abuse who may need to be encouraged to come forward."

The letter was read at parishes in Kenai, Homer, Seward and Sol-dotna and was sent to all other parishes in the Archdiocese of Anchorage.

Wells served in Kenai from 1974 to 1988, and in Seward and Cooper Landing from 1988 to 1990, according to Sister Charlotte Davenport, chancellor of the archdiocese.

In 1990, Wells suffered a heart attack and returned to the Seward-Cooper Landing assignment in July 1991. That fall, he suffered a stroke and died April 20, 1992, according to Sister Davenport.

When asked if Wells has been implicated by any other sexual abuse victims, Sister Davenport said she is not aware of any other allegations.

"Nothing we can do can take away the pain and torment of a victim of abuse by someone whom they have trusted," the archbishop said in his letter.

"As a faithful people, we can offer comfort and support and as an archdiocese we will make available funds to assist a person in their healing process."

Schwietz is scheduled to visit Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Soldotna this evening from 7 to 9 to speak about the church's Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, its financial audit and its evangelization program in Alaska.